Sony says gamers don't own their digital purchases, but 44 examples of its own wording suggest otherwise

Sony maintains that gamers do not own their digital purchases in a lawsuit filed by four California customers. However, a review of 44 documented instances reveals Sony's own language suggesting otherwise. These examples span across PlayStation support pages, store listings, and official blog posts. The Community around the Consumer Rights Wiki, founded by consumer advocate Louis Rossmann, compiled these findings.

The collection includes support articles, promotional pages, store listings, and official blog posts, all demonstrating language indicating ownership. For instance, when upgrading PS4 games to PS5 versions, Sony's instructions explicitly mention an eligible digital PS4 game that one already owns. This contradicts the notion that ownership applies only to physical discs.

Sony's explanation of its PlayStation Store ratings system also references ownership, stating that players must own the game before submitting a rating. This suggests that ownership is pertinent in granting feedback rights. The lawsuit alleges that Sony's checkout process lacks clear disclosure of purchase terms and that buttons like "Buy Now" and "Confirm Purchase" imply ownership.

California's AB 2426, effective since January 2025, mandates clear licensing disclosures unless sellers obtain proper acknowledgment. The dispute centers around customers' understanding of what they are purchasing. While Sony asserts that its licensing terms are transparent, the widespread use of ownership language by the company makes it challenging to argue that customers do not own their digital purchases.

Other digital storefronts, such as Steam and Ubisoft, have similarly clarified ownership in their policies. For now, Sony is seeking individual arbitration, citing the terms accepted by the plaintiffs without the option to opt out.